Army saves by topping up tanks with chip oilChris Gourlay, Times (UK)
OUT of the frying pan into the firefight. British troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other military bases around the world are to be told to recycle used cooking oil as fuel for military vehicles.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was planning the move on environmental grounds. However, others have pointed out that the MoD is trying to cut costs wherever possible to fund Britain’s two conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new plan may enable precious diesel to be bulked out with cleaned-up chip oil and other waste.
(24 Dec 2006)

UK report: The Energy Challenge (PDF)Dept of Trade and Industry, UK Government
...Today around 90% of the UK’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels, and they will continue to be the predominant source of energy for decades to come. Energy plays an important role in our economy and lifestyles; therefore we need to be confident that the market and Government energy policy will deliver reliable supplies of energy at competitive prices to people and businesses.

[from PM Tony Blair's foreward:

But neither renewable energy nor greater energy efficiency can provide the complete solution to the shortfall we face. This will depend on securing energy supplies from abroad, in new nuclear power stations to replace those becoming obsolete and replacing older coal-fired stations with cleaner, more efficient technology.
(July 2006)A 218-page document which does not mention global peak oil or peak natural gas - a rather stunning omission in a document that purports to be complete. I'm guessing that the document represents the view of the British elite. It makes some motions towards sustainability, but in reality is rooted in the past: "Party on!" -BA

Carbon 'credit card' consideredBBC News
Carbon "credit cards" could be issued as part of a nationwide carbon rationing scheme, Environment Secretary David Miliband has suggested.

An annual allowance would be allocated, with the card being swiped on various items such as travel, energy or food.

Mr Miliband said people who used less than their allowance could sell any surplus to those who wanted more.

A feasibility study says many questions remain on such a plan, but Mr Miliband says "bold thinking" is needed.

Mr Miliband told the Guardian that the scheme had "a simplicity and beauty that would reward carbon thrift".

Mr Miliband, who commissioned the feasibility study, said the scheme could be working within five years.
(11 Dec 2006)This is the cap-and-trade system as promoted by David Fleming. -AF